Disney World Workers Switch Unions, May Gain Muscle

Tourism & Travel

Nearly 2,000 Walt Disney World service workers are switching unions in a move that could give labor negotiators more clout in contract talks with the resort.

The Disney workers, members of the Service Employees International Union Local 362, on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to join the Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees union.

Beginning Nov. 1, the workers -- custodial staff, attractions operators and ticket sellers -- will form their own HERE local, 362. The union already represents 4,500 workers at Walt Disney World in Local 737, the largest union at the resort. The two chapters will be separate.

SEIU Local 362 will continue to represent public sector employees in Lake, Hillsborough, Orange and Osceola counties.

The heads of both international unions had recommended the switch, which is part of a nationwide effort to better align their unions' expertise with the members they represent. For example, HERE recently transferred about 6,000 hospital and nursing home workers in upstate New York to SEIU, which specializes in representing health-care employees.

"Both of the international unions are trying to get workers in the best position to improve their living standards," said Mike Duffy, president of SEIU Local 362. "SEIU wants to focus on the public sector where we have our members. HERE has a strong interest in hotels and theme parks."

The international hotel workers union wants to expand its membership in Central Florida but also is ready to commit more resources to affiliates of the Service Trades Council, the umbrella group for the six of largest unions at Disney World, said council president Harvey Totzke.

"We look at having a substantially strengthened bargaining position as a result of this jurisdiction transfer," Totzke said. "It's a good thing for the council and all the unions."